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Man Dies After Late Night Canoe Trip

12 July 2010, 08:22

A man who died after taking his friend's canoe out for a late-night paddle was named by police tonight.

The body of Karl Maynard, 24, from Purbrook, near Portsmouth, was found in the water near Hayling Island on Sunday morning. His friend raised the alarm after he became concerned that he had not returned after taking the vessel out shortly after midnight.

Officers from Hampshire Police were alerted by the Coastguard at 5.10am and two inshore lifeboats and the Coastguard helicopter were tasked to join the search. The canoe was found floating upside down at the entrance to Mengham Creek shortly before Mr Maynard's body was found nearby off Mengham Rise.

A spokeswoman for Hampshire Police said Mr Maynard lived with his girlfriend and was due to begin a college course. Officers from Waterlooville CID, Hampshire Police marine unit and the Marine Accident Investigation Branch are conducting an investigation into the death which is not believed to be suspicious.